Diagnosis tool for frontotemporal dementia
A test to diagnose an early onset dementia has been developed by researchers at the University of NSW.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common form of dementia in people under 65, yet it is commonly misdiagnosed.
Sydney is estimated to have at least 1,000 people with FTD, many of whom do not know they have the condition.
Professor John Hodges has developed the first research program dedicated to FTD in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 15 minute test involves patients generating words starting with a certain letter of the alphabet, naming animals.
“It is essential that people are diagnosed correctly for a number of reasons,” said Professor Hodges.
“While there is no cure for FTD, there are drugs which can alleviate some of the behaviours, such as disinhibition and overeating.”
He said a diagnosis allowed patients and their families to better understand the changes.
For more information on the program see: